TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Senate passed legislation Monday that directs the Department of Education to develop and make available disability history and awareness curricula for K–12 students, a measure carried in the Senate as SB 540 and substituted for House Bill 447.

The legislation, described repeatedly on the floor as the Evan Hartsell Act, requires the state education agency to create grade‑banded content (K–3, 4–6, 7–9, 10–12) intended to promote understanding of physical and intellectual disabilities and to give teachers tools to present disability history and awareness in age‑appropriate ways. The bill passed by a recorded vote of “35 yays, 0 nays,” the secretary reported.

Sponsor’s framing and exchange with colleagues

Senator Collins, sponsor of the measure, described the bill as focused on ‘‘making sure that we understand people for who they are’’ and urged colleagues to view the legislation as a step to reduce bias and raise awareness in schools. “This bill ensures that we meet people for who they are, how they are, where they are,” Senator Collins said.

Several senators asked detailed questions about scope and training. Senator Davidson, a former special‑education teacher, pressed for clarity on what the bill requires and how it differs from other education measures; she and Senator Collins discussed terminology used in advocacy circles, including the preference among many advocacy organizations for the term “people with disabilities.” Senator Osgood asked whether the measure goes far enough in embedding training for adults; Collins said the Department of Education will work with stakeholders and that the statute is intended as a first step.

Cosponsorship and procedure

Senator Collins requested and the Senate recorded cosponsorships while the bill remained a Senate measure; the clerk reported 35 cosponsors on the floor. The Senate substituted the House companion on third reading and approved the bill without recorded opposition. Senate staff noted the Senate and House versions were identical at the time of substitution.

What the bill requires

- The Florida Department of Education must develop and publish curricula and materials tailored to the specified grade bands to teach disability history and awareness.
- The law encourages age‑appropriate content showcasing achievements, history and practical ways to recognize and respond respectfully to people with disabilities.
- The bill does not create a statewide new teacher‑training mandate but sponsors said the department will provide materials and guidance districts may use.

Why it matters

Supporters emphasized the bill’s broader goal: reducing stigma and improving classroom inclusion by teaching students to recognize and respect people with disabilities. During floor debate lawmakers from both parties praised the Hartzell family and advocates who helped shape the bill. For many supporters the measure was a symbolic but concrete step to broaden curricula and reflect diverse experiences in Florida classrooms.

Next steps

The bill will be enrolled and sent to the governor after completion of any remaining House actions. Implementation will be led by the Florida Department of Education, which must develop the materials referenced in the statute.